May 29: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalm 37, 71, 94

May 29, 1 Kings 1-2, Psalm 37, 71, 94

1 Kings 1 From where we left off, David is getting old and has prepared for Solomon to take over the throne. He was old, and he could not warm up. They decided to bring him Abishag, a young and beautiful woman to lay with the King and keep him warm - but he did not have sex with her.

While this is going on, David’s fourth son, Adonijah, exalted himself (in disobedience to God and his Dad) to be king. He rallied some men, including Joab (David’s commander of the army), and Abiathar (one of David’s priests). They followed Adonijah. Then he threw a party and the did a sacrifice to the Lord. All his brothers were invited and a bunch of the leaders. Who was not invited? Solomon, Nathan the Prophet, Beneniah the Priest, nor any of David’s mighty men (these were all loyal to David and now to Solomon). Nathan the prophet heard about it and made sure that Solomon’s mom, Bathsheba knew about it. The devised a plan on how to approach David, and it worked. They both went in at separate times to inform David what was really going on behind his back, while he was still alive. David confirmed that Solomon was to be King, by the Lord’s Words Himself, so put him on the Kings mule, send him throughout town and anoint him again as King. They did this and the Israelites were thrilled! The sound of rejoicing was so loud from the people the earth split! 

Adonijah and his boys were just finishing up a large meal, and they heard all the commotion - not knowing what just happened. When Adonijah found out he was terrified. David on the other hand, was praising God for keeping His Word. All of Adonijah’s followers left in fear. Solomon was already showing his wisdom in how he approached this new Kingdom and stated that if Adonijah was innocent, he would be spared. If he was guilty, he shall die. King Solomon met with him and then sent him home.

1 Kings 2 David was about to die, so he called to Solomon and commanded to him something very similar that was commanded to Joshua from God after Moses died, “Be strong, and show yourself a man…” Obey God and stand for what is right (God’s ways) and everything will work out and Solomon will prosper in all he does. Then David goes on to tell his son a few tips on how to deal with some current adversaries, namely Joab. Joab must be killed because he just proved himself to be dangerous and divisive. Do you remember Shimei, the guy that cursed David when he was fleeing Saul? David told him to use his wisdom on how to deal with him. Then David died. Solomon was now official King.

Adonijah then tried to get around Solomon and go through Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, to spare his life. Solomon was approached by his mother and saw right through it. Because of what Adonijah did, and how he tried to manipulate the situation, Solomon had him killed for it. Abiathar, who sided with Adonijah, was spared because he carried the Ark of the Lord. Meanwhile, Joab fled to the tent of the Lord and was killed for what he had done. Now, Solomon put Beniah as commander of his army. For Shimei, he was spared, but only to stay at his home and never leave, or he would be killed. Shimei agreed. 3 years later, Shimei left his home to go after some runaway servants, and because of him breaking his oath, he was killed. Thus, the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

Psalm 37 Sure, non-Christians can sure seem to prosper on earth, but Christians shall remain faithful to God and will be blessed for it. This is such a powerful Psalm! A few of worthy mention, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” What an amazing prayer and reminder for us in how we should live out our lives. Trust. Delight in Him. Commit to Him. Trust in Him… and He will act! Oh, and there is more:) “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Wait on God, He’s got you covered. Don’t worry about the people who are ‘prospering’ - you should desire to prosper in God. It is best to pursue God and pursue Him in righteousness, and He will uphold you.

God plans your ways and He establishes them - when we delight in Him, He holds us up.

Turn away from evil & do good - are you doing that? Salvation belongs to God to grant, His gig!

Psalm 71 God will not forsake the faithful. Stay on the course that God has you on - it is best. God is our Refuge, Deliverer, Rescuer, Rock, Fortress. Yup - He is God. Praise Him all day long, think about Him - declare His goodness to others… I like this part of the prayer and the genuine heart behind it… “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” What a great reason to grow old… not to retire - but to proclaim to the next generations about God’s power. 

Psalm 94 If you are pursuing God, you most likely have encountered spiritual battles. Well, stay faithful and remember what Yahweh has done - that will help you endure. It seems that the wicked prosper and their arrogance knows no bounds. Try this on for size: “Understand, O dullest of the people! Fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge— the Lord—knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.” God is Creator and will not be mocked, even when it seems like it on earth - but who can mess with God? God knows mans thoughts and will not be mocked. Be thankful when God disciplines you, because God disciplines those He loves. God will not forget His people, us included. 

To sum it all up:

• What a life and story that David had, and it was all part of God’s plan. Just like you and me, we are all part of God’s plan…
• Even when it seems as though the pagans and non-believers seem to prosper, it is only temporary. Do not envy what they have, because what they need is Jesus.